Connecting Children & Nature

"Make a difference in the health and well-being of our children
-- and feel the difference that makes on you!"
 

News & Updates

Natural Play Space in Your Community: An Interactive Workshop
Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - University of Minnesota, Crookston

Workshop Agenda

Please join us for a day of discussion and presentations on creating natural playspaces. Wherever you and your community are at in the process, this workshop will have something for you.

In the morning, we will offer plenary presentation by U of M staff and local partners that will cover the planning, installation, and programming aspects of natural playspaces with examples of what has been done in the region. The afternoon will consist of break-out discussions that will address exactly what is needed to move your project forward. Read the full news release >>>

$15 registration fee includes lunch
To register, fill out the online form or contact the Regional Extension Center at 218-281-8696 - mleblanc@umn.edu

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Nature-based Play Space Designs Finalized for Crookston and Warren

September 9, 2011 -- Final concepts for nature-based play spaces for the cities of Crookston and Warren, Minn. have now been completed and approved. The children's play space for Crookston was designed for Castle Park (at right below), which is located off of Castle Street to the west of the Crookston hospital complex. The play space for Warren was designed for Island Park (at left below) located off of Warren's South Division Street. Learn more >>>

Final Designs

Also see "Preliminary Designs Completed for Nature-Based Play Spaces in Crookston and Warren, Minn."(July 29, 2011)

2010 CONFERENCE HELD

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
University of Minnesota, Crookston Campus

Featuring keynote by Cheryl Charles,
co-founder of the Children and Nature Network 

Registration Fee: $20* (includes lunch)
Student Registration Fee: $5 (does not include lunch)

 Simple steps can create mass movement to reconnect young children with nature. Learn and discuss how interactions in nature can improve health and wellness in every child.
2010 Schedule >>>

Questions?

* The registration fee will be $21 for those paying by credit card.

Sponsors

US Fish & Wildlife Services | Rydell Wildlife Refuge | Regional Sustainable Development Partnership
Extension Environmental Science Education | University of Minnesota, Crookston
NW Statewide Health Improvement Program Cluster | Northwest Regional Development Commission
U of M Regional Extension - Crookston | MN Chapter of the Wildlife Society
MN Prairie Chicken Society

   

Video Previews

Get to know the faces of passionate people connecting children and nature in your area! Meet with many individuals and learn about their programs that directly connect children and nature at the conference. Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the people you will see. 

Carol Robinson Natural Kid's Nutrition	Deborah Zak White Earth Academy of Math & Science	Tom Schafer Challenger Elementary School's School Prairie
Wayne Goeken River Watch	Matt Connor & Dave Ellis Prairie Wetlands Learning Center	see all videos >>>